Leading lights celebrated at university lunch
Inspirational figures in the worlds of music, sport, art and business were honoured at a special lunch in Wolverhampton.
Soul singer Jaki Graham, Paralympic archer Danielle Brown, cycling legend Hugh Porter and Olympic swimmer Anita Lonsbrough were among guests at a celebration for the University of Wolverhampton's honorary graduates.
University Chancellor, Lord Paul of Marylebone, who has held the post since 1999, said: “We were delighted to host this special occasion to recognise the significant contribution our honorary graduates make to their fields and the life of the University of Wolverhampton.
"It was wonderful to see so many leading lights at the event and to celebrate the achievements of the University.”
More than 30 experts in the fields of health, media, construction, engineering, education and faith attended the event at the Chancellor’s Hall.
Honorary graduates receive awards from the University for making an outstanding contribution to the local area or their professional field.
Attendees also included herpetologist Mark O’Shea, former chairman of the BBC Trust Professor Sir Michael Lyons and Louise Brooke-Smith, the first female president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Jaki Graham, who was awarded an honorary degree by the University in 2013 for services to music and the creative industries and also has an ambassadorial role as one of four pro-chancellors, spoke at the event.
Afterwards she said: "Although I'm a Brummie, I've been in Wolverhampton for 30-odd years and I've been adopted by the city, which is an honour.
"I love my connection with the university. I give talks to the students about my experiences in the industry but I also learn a lot from them. Technology has moved on so much - I left all that side of things to the engineers and producers - but now the kids teach me, which is great."
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, welcomed the distinguished guests back to the university for what is an annual lunch for honorary graduates.
He said: “Our honorary graduates are an important part of our community, providing significant inspiration to our students, presenting guest lectures and acting as mentors.
"As we continue to invest in improving our learning environment and supporting the growth of the regional economy through our £250million Our Vision, Your Opportunity project, this event allowed us to share our successes and thank our honorary graduates for being part of our story.”
Wolverhampton-born Hugh Porter, winner of four world titles in the individual pursuit and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and his wife Anita, who won gold in the 1960 Olympics, have been associated with the university for 14 years.
Mr Porter said: "The university has grown in stature tremendously in the last few years. We are very proud of of our connection and try to support it in any way we can."
Paralympic gold medallist Danielle Brown, who won gold in two consecutive Paralympic Games and three World Championships, is an honorary fellow of the university.
In 2010 she made history by becoming the first disabled athlete to represent England in an able-bodied discipline, and won a gold medal in the team event.
A law graduate, who is also on the university's advisory board, said: "I really benefited from a university education and I enjoy giving something back in return."
